De Defiant Surrogate 63

Chapter 63 

Of all the things I expected Bethany to tell me, this is somewhere near the bottom. Even after hearing the words, I don’t understand. She has to be mistaken. 

“Surely he’s visited other consorts,” I say. I know all about his virile stamina and strength. I’d be surprised that even one woman could sate his carnal hunger- more surprised if that woman is me. 

“I speak the truth.” Bethany says. “And the handmaiden’s know everything. 

Remembering my time as a slave at my parents‘ house, I know she’s right. When people start seeing you as subhuman, they have much looser tongues around you. They don’t even consider you when they start to speak, as if you are merely a piece of furniture in the background. 

Those loose tongues lead to all sorts of knowledge being shared by the staff. If Bethany is certain this is true, then I shouldn’t doubt her, no matter how far–fetched it personally seems to me 

In the end, I realize it doesn’t matter anyway, does it? The King means nothing to me. My heartbreak over Samuel is what’s truly worth my focus. 

My dream of becoming Samuel’s mate, that I’ve held onto since childhood, now means nothing at all. All of my hopes, all of my prayers to the gods… wasted. 

My sister once again claims everything she’s ever wanted, while Isuffer alone. 

I sulk for the rest of the night. The next day, I’m summoned once more to the Hall to be on hand in case Caleb’s headaches return. At the side of the Hall, I take my usual spot beside Tristan. He ignores me, which is his normal response, so I don’t think anything of it. 

During the meetings, Caleb continues dealing with his advisors, discussing his political dealings. I’m curious, but the meeting drones on for a good long while, with the advisors arguing and trying to talk over one another. Caleb stays quiet for 

most of the time.. 

As long as they don’t mention my pack, I let my mind wander. After all, Caleb has already told me that my pack is safe. Whatever happens next concerns the entire Kingdom, and while I do care about that, knowing my pack is out of immediate danger takes some of the urgency out of me. 

Finally, in the middle of another shouting match between two advisors over gods–know–what, Caleb clears his throat, silencing both of them right away. 

“We will need to present a united front to keep the bear clan at by. Caleb says. “The infiltrators will detect our every weakness, and while I have no personal fear of them, they could still sow the discontent among my kingdom that could make it appear weaker as a whole. We cannot allow this.” 

“What do you suggest, my King?” one of the advisors says. “Supporting one of the packs from annihilation has proved fruitful already, gaining the approval of other packs. But we are a far way off from a truly united front.” 

“Many of these new Alphas know me in name and reputation only,” Caleb says. “This is why I suggest that we invite them here, to form an Alpha Council, that we may plot our next steps together and be of one mind.” 

The advisors all marvel at his words. 

I focus back in realizing what this means. If all the Alphas are coming here, then Samuel will to 

My heart leaps up into my throat, I shouldn’t want to see him, knowing he is now married to my sister, yet I still want to – desperately. He is the man I love, after all. Even unrequited, I would wish to see him and know that he is well. 

As if he can read my mind, Caleb’s sharp gaze snaps to my face. Immediately, I straighten, trying to hide my excitement and 

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Chapter 63 

other emotions. Caleb did not take kindly to my feelings and emotions for Samuel before, I can’t begin to think that has changed in anyway. 

In fact, he seems even more pissed off than before, quietly brooding while glaring straight at me. 

This is a fine idea, the advisors praise him. 

Truly, this will help our problems. 

“Make the preparations at once, Caleb says, looking back to his advisors. “I trust you with the details. My only request is that you invite the Alpha’s mates as well as the Alpha’s themselves.” 

The words hit me like a blow. Of course Caleb would be furious with me interacting with Samuel. He would also invite Leah, who wouldn’t miss an opportunity to come to the capital. This is Caleb’s idea as a punishment to me. 

I wish I could pretend it wouldn’t hurt to see both Samuel and Leah interacting. But the truth is messy, as are my feelings. Nothing about this would be easy. 

“Everyone leave now. Caleb commands. “Go and make the preparations,” 

“At once, my King,” says the most enthusiastic advisor. The others nod in agreement and file out of the Hall. 

I turn to leave as well, thinking everyone might include me as well, but after one step, Caleb’s voice bellows, “Not you.” 

Immediately, I go back to where I was standing 

Tristan, from beside me, gives me a flat look. 

I guess it was only wishful thinking that I’d be allowed to leave. Ishould have known that he’d want to rub salt in my wounds 

first 

“Approach me, consort,” Caleb calls, “I demand a shoulder massage.” 

I want to sigh but I hold it in. Instead, I trek toward him, hop up onto the stage, and then come to his side so I can massage his shoulders. 

“What are you doing?” he asks. 

“What do you mean? Am I not doing as he commanded? 

Growling lightly, he snatches my hips with his hands and drags me to his front, then up onto him, so that I am sitting on his lap facing him. 

Heat rising in my cheeks, I force my thighs to be very still, lest I make movement and bring a certain thing to life in Caleb’s pants. 

“My massage.” Caleb says, startling me a little. I had forgotten my purpose there for a moment. 

Lifting my hands onto his shoulders I start to massage. It’s not as easy from the front, but this is better than my initial plan of leaning over from his side. At least, like this, I have more leverage – especially as Caleb leans forward, granting me more 

Unfortunately, his leaning forward brings his face closer to mine. He closes his eyes, and I can’t help but glance down at his lips for a moment. 

“The 

massage,” he reminds me, when my hands stilled without realizing it. 

I curse lightly under my breath and continue massaging. 

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Caleb’s hands linger on–my hips. As I work, they trail upwards, teasing the sides of my torso. Then they dance over my shoulders and come to rest against the base of my throat, right beneath my collar. 

I swallow thickly. 

In a flash his eyes open, and he looks at me with fierce intensity. His hands tighten ever so slightly around my neck. 

I freeze, sensing the danger here. 

“That lesser man you admire will arrive here with his new wife. He might even try to talk to you.” Caleb growls. 

My heart starts to race. 

“Whatever happens, you will do well not to forget,” he says, low and dangerous. “You belong to me.” 

Then he yanks me in and kisses me. 

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BEND OFT 

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Chapter 64